Fantasy Fixes: Get ready for some fireworks in Round 17

*Reminder #1: The cut off time to make roster changes is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kick off of the first match of the week. This week, that deadline is 8:15 pm ET on Tuesday, July 3

*Reminder #2: Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, DC United, New England and New York all have a bye in Fantasy Round 17.

Top Player in Round 16: Torsten Frings – 18 points

Key Injuries: Injury Report will be out Tuesday so wait to make your transfers until then if possible

Fantasy Round 17 will consist of just six games, set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday (July 4). On Thursday, you will be able to set your lineup again for the matchups this coming weekend. You’ve been granted two transfers, so use them wisely. Be sure to steer clear of D.C. United players as they do not play again until July 15.

As always, monitor the injury report and all suspensions. This week, there are several notable players that have been suspended for yellow card accumulation (see disciplinary report here), so sub them out if possible. With that said, here are my five picks for the midweek matchups.

Chávez not only leads San Jose in almost every single attacking category, he’s among the league leaders as well. With 24 key passes, 26 crosses, six assists and four big chances created, he should be viewed as one of the most dangerous outside midfielders in all of MLS. This week, San Jose travel to Portland, where teams have struggled to get on the board. However, with a core group of forwards (Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon) – possibly the best in the league – this speedy winger could cause major problems for Portland coach John Spencer.

In the past four weeks, Johnson has tallied four goals and 29 total points. Like it or not, he is finishing. In 14 games this season, he’s only managed one BCF (big chances fluffed). Dominic Oduro, however, leads the way with 11, while Wondolowski (eight) and Fredy Montero (five) have struggled to find the net from big chances as well. Seattle will play a tough test away from home against Western Conference contenders in Real Salt Lake, but Johnson is at full strength – and he’s the best thing going for Seattle at the moment.

At the beginning of the season, Shea seemed destined to be among the leaders in scoring after the performance he had in 2011. Unfortunately, he’s taken a back seat in 2012 to some of the more veteran midfield players (i.e. Dwayne De Rosario, Kyle Beckerman, Brad Davis). If any time were to the right time to invest in the left-footed youngster, it’s now. David Ferreira could be making his return to the field Wednesday night, potentially benefiting a FC Dallas side that sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a minus-10 goal differential. Shea is well rested and should be determined more than ever to get on the board this week.

If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, you should do so immediately. Davis has soared all the way up to third in points and second in crosses among midfielders after having a rather slow start to the 2012 season. Chicago displayed a rather impressive performance against Sporting KC last Friday, but be sure Davis will have his way at home. In his last two outings at BBVA Compass Stadium, Davis has tallied 20 points while recording multiple bonus points for crosses, key passes and recoveries. He also passed up a penalty kick so that teammate Brian Ching could finally get on the board in Houston’s magnificent new stadium.

Gershon Koffie, $5.9m, Vancouver Whitecaps (54 points, T-26th among midfielders)
In the last three weeks, Koffie has been in fine form, averaging 7.3 points per round. In that same stretch he’s logged four BCCs (big chances created) while accumulating points for recoveries and CBIs (clearances, blocks and interceptions combined) as well. The Whitecaps play both of their games on the road this week against the fifth- and seventh-placed teams in the Western Conference. Vancouver’s new DP, Barry Robson, could change Koffie’s role slightly depending on where Vancouver try to work him in, but either way, this 20-year-old has proved to be an influential piece in his team's success so far this year.